Texas House Bill HB1547

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/29/11
• Introduced: 2/21/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/2/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11

Caption

Relating to the desired future conditions of groundwater resources within groundwater management areas.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1547 would significantly influence how local groundwater districts develop and implement management plans. It mandates that district management strategies consider multiple factors, including socio-economic impacts, environmental impacts, and hydrogeological conditions. This could lead to improved resource management, but may also impose additional compliance burdens on districts that need to align their plans with the new definitions and requirements outlined in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 1547 seeks to amend various sections of the Texas Water Code to better define and manage the desired future conditions of groundwater resources within designated groundwater management areas. The bill introduces terms such as 'desired future condition', which refers to a quantitative description of the expected conditions in a groundwater management area at a specific future date. The aim is to balance groundwater production with the conservation and preservation of water resources, ensuring sustainable management practices align with state goals.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 1547 relate to the potential administrative and regulatory burdens it may impose on local water management districts. Opponents of the bill argue that increased mandates could hinder local decision-making and autonomy, while supporters assert that these measures are necessary for the effective regulation of limited groundwater resources. There is a concern that balancing production with conservation needs may create conflicts among stakeholders with varying interests in groundwater use, from agricultural to urban needs.